Hurricane Maria Update: The Most Current Island-By-Island Reports

Royal Caribbean Says Key West Could Open To Tourism By October 20

According to Royal Caribbean International, Key West’s government expects the destination to be open to tourism by Oct. 20. Meanwhile, though calls are canceled, the line is working to schedule a humantarian stop as part of a Cuba voyage. During that stop Empress of the Seas would deliver much-needed supplies to the people of Key West following Hurricane Irma. Since the city sustained heavy damage in the storm, Royal Caribbean is going to substitute a sea day on Empress of the Seas’ Sept. 23, Sept. 27, Oct. 2, Oct. 7 and Oct. 11 Cuba cruises. Passengers who elect not to sail on Empress due to the modified itinerary will receive a 100% future cruise credit to use for a sailing booked within the next year. In addition, Enchantment of the Seas will instead visit Freeport on its Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 sailings.

BA Signs Deal To Convert Household Waste Into Jet Fuel

British Airways has entered a partnership to design a series of waste plants that will convert household waste into renewable jet fuel to power its fleet. The venture, in partnership with Velocys, a renewable fuels company, is part of the airline’s plans to develop long-term, sustainable fuel options. The first plant will take hundreds of thousands of tonnes of household waste each year, including diapers, plastic food containers and chocolate bar wrappers, and convert it into clean-burning, sustainable fuels. The plant will produce enough fuel to power all British Airways’ 787 Dreamliner-operated flights from London to San Jose, California and New Orleans, Louisiana for a whole year. This will contribute to the airline’s commitment to reduce net emissions by 50% by 2050. As well as helping the airline industry reduce its carbon emissions this initiative will also significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.